Actual Cash Value

Cost of replacing damaged or destroyed property with comparable new property, minus depreciation and obsolescence. For example, a 10-year-old living room sofa will not be replaced at current full value because of a decade of depreciation. The actual cash value clause is common in property insurance contracts. In some instances artistic or antique property may appreciate over time. To receive full coverage such items must be specifically scheduled in a policy.

The fair or reasonable cash price for which a property could be sold in the market in the ordinary course of business, and not at forced sale. The price it will bring in a fair market after reasonable efforts to find a purchaser who will give the highest price. What property is worth in money, allowing for depreciation. Ordinarily, actual cash value, fair market value, and market value are synonymous terms.